3rd European textile and Fibre Art Festival - Catalogue

with pleasure to our spectators to explore.
What has seemed acute and worthy to document
or to depict? The following problems
have been questioned: ”Made in…” theme,
emigration and immigration, cultural traditions
in cross-cultural environment and global
aspect, money laundering, even - global
warming, cloning, contributions to cultural
history, nature protection, personality and its
role in the society, the man himself, the
things that indicate the development of consumers
society, the technology of our time
and the consequences it causes – like the
lack of silence and many others.
To express themselves some of the artists have
chosen documental, others – ironical reflection.
In many works we see cross-cultural
parallels and a wide spectrum of symbols.
Artistic expression covers a diapason from
works complicated in composition and
incredibly profesionally done, marvellous,
fine tapestries to contemporary expressions
of jacquard weave and prints, expressive
installations, interior design solutions, synthesis
of different art forms and materials:
textiles, graphics, ceramics, sculpture, etc.
What are the characteristics of this show?
To my mind it is intrigous enough. It is an interesting,
artistically strong show of vital artistic
thinking. The art that speaks. In many cases –
with truly original ideas. A rare and spectacular
collection that reflects multiple attitudes
towards politics, nature, cultures. Textile and
fibre art is documenting the history and giving
an evalution of the time. In short – the
artist’s ”look” that can become associated
with the year 2007.
The exhibition confirms that the Triennial has
grown far out of the declared European
content borders and has become the world
event, where one can feel vibration of life,
artistic statements that they are ”in” their
time and everything that happens around.
Almost half of all the participants are from the
Baltic and Nordic countries, and it manifests
the deep traditions in the field.
You will see that sometimes the way of interpreting
the idea is rooted in opposites:
ancient/modern, simple/decorative, handmade/mass-produced,
national/international.
Sometimes – vibrant colours and pictorial
images versus geometrical black and white.
Sometimes – the red colour dominantes.
Also, neo- baroque reflections, approval of
synthetic era and materials ”in fashion”.
Evaluating the reflection of the problem of
immigration today, the international jury
invited textile artist Carol Westfall from the
USA to exhibit some more works from her
series on the above mentioned theme.
The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in
its turn has invited the Latvian artist Dzintra
Vilks to exhibit her original view on the
”Global intrigue”.
Hoping that there will be much more to explore
in this parade of unique ceative ideas and
wishing the exhibition much success,
Yours truly,
Velta Raudzepa, M.A.
Deputy Director,
Museum of Decorative Arts and Design
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